The Rundown for October 18, 2019

ELIJAH CUMMINGS DIES… Congressman and civil rights-champion Elijah Cummings died early yesterday following an illness. He was 68. As chairman of the Democratic House Oversight and Reform Committee, Cummings was a key figure in the impeachment inquiry into President Trump. He had served as the representative for Maryland’s 7th Congressional District since 1996. Cummings famously declared in July, “I’m begging the American people to pay attention to what is going on. Because if you want to have a democracy intact for your children, and your children’s children, and generations yet unborn we’ve got to guard this moment … this is our watch.”

TRUMP WANTS TO HOST G7 SUMMIT AT ONE OF HIS PROPERTIES… President Trump raised accusations of corruption and emolument-clause violations after yesterday’s announcement that he will host next year’s G7 Summit of world leaders at his own Miami resort instead of at Camp David where the U.S. has traditionally hosted diplomatic affairs. Accusers say the president is trying to line his pocket at the Doral golf resort, where profits reportedly fell 70 percent after Trump began his run for president. In August, court records revealed Trump’s attorneys reached a tentative settlement with a business traveler who sued the resort after his back, face and arms were covered with bed bug bites following a stay at Doral.

TURKEY LAUNCHES MILITARY OPERATIONS AFTER CEASEFIRE DECLARED… Vice President Mike Pence’s declaration of a ceasefire yesterday in Kurdish-held Syria yesterday did not stop Turkey from launching military operations in the region. Pence made the announcement after he and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. On Wednesday, Erdoğan declared that his country would never declare a ceasefire.

MULVANEY ADMITS U.S.-UKRAINE QUID PRO QUO… Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney admitted yesterday that President Trump withheld aid from Ukraine until the country agreed to investigate Democrats. During a contentious press conference, Mulvaney said the aid was “absolutely no question” withheld in part because Trump wanted Ukraine to look into “corruption that related to the DNC server.” He also noted, “We do that all the time with foreign policy,” he said, noting that the administration was also withholding aid to Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador at the same time “so that they would change their policies on immigration.” Hours later, Mulvaney denied making the claims despite their capture on video.

RICK PERRY LEAVING AS ENERGY CHIEF… Energy Secretary Rick Perry informed President Trump yesterday that he plans to resign. The announcement comes as Perry has become more deeply embroiled in the Trump administration’s Ukraine scandal. Perry told The Wall Street Journal yesterday that Trump directed him to work with Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani in investigating potential corruption in Ukraine. Perry has been subpoenaed by House Democrats to produce Ukraine-related documents by today.

ENTERTAINMENTPAUL DANO TO PLAY THE RIDDLER… Warner Bros. announced yesterday that Paul Dano has signed on to portray the Riddler in the next “Batman” reboot. His character will terrorize Batman through riddles designed to trick and catch the superhero. The role has previously been portrayed by Jim Carrey and Frank Gorshin. Dano most recently earned an Emmy nomination for his work in the Netflix series “Escape at Dannemora.” His film credits include “12 Years A Slave,” “Little Miss Sunshine” and “There Will Be Blood.” The “Batman” reboot is scheduled for a June 25, 2021, release.

IN THEATERS… In “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies and dark new forces at play. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning star in the PG-rated film. In “Zombieland: Double Tap,” Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland as they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of the snarky makeshift family. The R-rated horror film stars Zoey Deutch, Abigail Breslin, Emma Stone and Woody Harrelson. “Jojo Rabbit” tells the story about a young boy in Hitler’s army who finds out his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home. The film stars Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie and is rated PG-13. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson star in “The Lighthouse.” It’s an R-rated hypnotic and hallucinatory tale of two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s. “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” centers on Jay and Silent Bob’s return to Hollywood. Melissa Benoist and Matt Damon star in the comedy.

SPORTS MLBAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES GAME 4…Houston 8 – N.Y. YANKEES 3… George Springer blasted a three-run homer in the top of the third inning, Carlos Correa added a three-run shot in the sixth and the Astros pounded the Yankees to take a 3-1 lead in the AL Championship Series. The series remains in New York for tonight’s Game 5. Justin Verlander gets the start for the Astros. The Yankees will counter with James Paxton. First pitch is set for 7:08 p.m. Eastern and the game airs on FS1.

NHL SCORES…Tampa Bay 4 – BOSTON 3 (SO)… Steven Stamkos netted the lone goal in the shootout to lift the Lightning over the Bruins. Brayden Point had a goal and an assist.

NFL SCORE…Kansas City 30 – DENVER 6… The Chiefs (5-2) rolled past the Broncos (2-5) despite losing quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Patrick Maholmes in the second quarter to a dislocated kneecap. Backup Matt Moore connected with Tyreek Hill on a 57-yard touchdown pass. Defensively, Kansas City recorded nine sacks and held Denver to just 71 yards rushing. Reggie Ragland returned a fumble 5 yards for a score.